Why Squat???

1. Squatting is a full body exercise.

Squatting works it all—from the
glutes to the hips, to the abdominals, and upper body (if weight
bearing), if you’re squatting properly, everything is fired up. “The
primary agonistic muscles used in the concentric movement of the squat
are the glutes and quads; while the antagonistic muscles used during the
eccentric are the hip flexors,” explains Tamir. “The hamstrings are the
synergists that assist and transverse abdominals help stabilize.”

There’s not an area you aren’t hitting.

2. Squatting translates to everyday life.

Think about it: Each and every time
you sit down and stand up, you’re technically doing a squat. “It’s the
most primitive movement,” says Tamir. “It strengthens the whole body so
things, like sitting and even walking up the stairs, are easier.” The
more you squat, the easier simple movements will be.

3. Squatting can improve balance and posture.

Because of the transfer of weight
when you squat, you’re forced to activate your stabilizing muscles in
the transverse abdominals. “When performing a squat, your spine of the
upper body needs to remain neutral so that good posture is maintained,”
says Tamir. “The use of the posterior muscles of the back and shoulders
also work to help do this.”

Front squats work more of the muscles
in the anterior of the body, while back squats work more of the
posterior muscles. This strength can transfer over to improvement in
your balance and posture in everyday life, too.

4. Squatting helps with mobility.

In order to squat correctly, you need
to have the mobility in your hips, ankles, and shoulders (if you’re
using a barbell) to get into the proper position. “Squatting helps to
increase the mobility in these joints,” explains Tamir. “Exercises that
require mobility when loaded with weight can help mobilize because it
forces you to control the movement through a range of motion. And that’s
basically what mobility is.”

5. Squatting keeps bones strong.

Squatting is an axial loading
exercise, which helps to keep your body healthy and strong. “This is
great not only for young adults but especially for older demographics
and people who have a low bone density to help them stay healthy and
prevent injury.”

6. Anyone can squat.

Squatting doesn’t discriminate—anyone
from a teenager to a senior citizen can and will benefit from
squatting. “You have to squat at any age. If you don’t use it, you lose
it”, says Tamir.

How To Do Squats Properly

Keeping
chest up, shoulders back, push knees out as you sit back and down like
you were going to sit in a chair. Do not let knees go forward past
ankles. Lower until your butt is in line with knees, thighs parallel to
the floor, or as low as you can.